James Mark Mills, Pesticide Poisoning, TN 2007

Nashville, TN – A Tennessee man was sentenced in 2007 after admitting to illegally distributing a highly toxic pesticide and deliberately poisoning protected birds, according to federal court records obtained by GrimyTimes. James Mark Mills, a certified commercial applicator and dealer of pesticides, pled guilty to charges stemming from a disturbing scheme involving the misuse of Carbofuran, a restricted-use pesticide known for its extreme toxicity.

The investigation, led by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, revealed that Mills knowingly provided an unlabeled jar of Carbofuran to an accomplice with the explicit intent to poison dogs and coyotes. This application was a clear violation of federal regulations, as the pesticide was not approved for such use. Even more concerning, Mills actively instructed the individual – who was *not* a certified applicator – on how to administer the poison, circumventing critical safety protocols designed to protect both the public and the environment.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Deliberate Bird Poisoning

Beyond the illegal distribution, Mills took matters into his own hands, engaging in a direct campaign to eliminate hawks and owls. Investigators discovered that Mills laced chicken carcasses with Carbofuran and strategically placed them to prevent the birds from preying on his brother’s chickens. This deliberate poisoning resulted in the deaths of multiple protected raptors, directly violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The practice of using poison to control predators is widely condemned due to its indiscriminate nature and the risks posed to non-target species, including endangered animals and even humans.

Legal Ramifications

On September 18, 2006, Mills was formally charged with one count of violating the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) – specifically 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(F) and 7 U.S.C. 136l(b)(1)(B) related to the distribution and sale of restricted-use pesticides – and one count of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 707(a)). He subsequently entered a guilty plea on March 12, 2007. The court sentenced Mills to twelve months of probation on each count, to be served concurrently. As part of the sentence, Mills was ordered to spend six months under home detention, with specified exceptions, and was required to pay $5,000 in restitution to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help offset the damage caused to protected bird populations.

GrimyTimes Investigation Continues

This case highlights the dangers of unregulated pesticide use and the severe consequences of intentionally harming wildlife. GrimyTimes is continuing to investigate other potential cases of pesticide misuse in the region and will provide updates as they become available. The EPA’s criminal enforcement program plays a crucial role in holding individuals accountable for environmental crimes and protecting public health.

Key Facts

Defendant: James Mark Mills
State: Tennessee
Year: 2007
Crime: Illegal pesticide distribution & poisoning of protected birds
Pesticide Used: Carbofuran (restricted-use)
Laws Violated: 7 U.S.C. 136j(a)(2)(F), 7 U.S.C. 136l(b)(1)(B), 16 U.S.C. 707(a)
Penalty: 12 months probation (concurrent), 6 months home detention, $5,000 restitution
Victims: Dogs, coyotes, hawks, owls

Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database

Related Federal Cases